Pending approval by the police commission, I look forward Tuesday to swearing in two new assistant chiefs, including the first female assistant chief in the department’s history. Chief of Police Francisco Ortiz has nominated Lt. Stephanie Redding and Lt. Herman Badger to the positions. Together, they bring 42 years of combined experience and expertise to the posts and are capable, trustworthy public servants.

New Haven rolls out the smart cards

New Haven is the first city in the nation to pilot a new program of “smart cards”—electronic billing cards that will allow residents to pay for parking meters, parking garages, and even store purchases around the City. Already, some 400 new electronic parking meters have been installed, all of them capable of accepting the New Haven Parcxmart card along with coinage. By September 1, the City will have 2800 of these new meters in place. Merchants sell the New Haven Parcxmart card, too, so residents will be able to pay for their goods without having to carry cash. Details: www.parcxmart.com, or 1-877-929-3050.

The Angel of Peace is listening to your wishes for the world

Your wishes for the world are now up on the web! In honor of the Angel of Peace, the 5,000 pound, 11-foot bronze statue soon to be restored on the Green and then returned to her perch on East Rock, we are asking New Haveners to send in their wishes for the world. Check out the Angel of Peace website and some early wishes at www.cityofnewhaven.com/angelofpeace, and read about the Angel’s storied history. Wishes and photos can be emailed to dwheeloc@newhavenct.net or to nhall@nhregister.com. Check online at www.cityofnewhaven.com or www.NHRegister.com.

Nature Pals in Edgewood Park still going strong

Nature Pals, a weekly ecology workshop for preschoolers that was started at the Edgewood Park Ranger Station last October, continues to be a big hit in New Haven. Every Wednesday, an average of 40 preschoolers and their parents gather in Edgewood Park to play and to learn about the natural world. Each week’s workshop focuses on a different animal, as Park Ranger Harry Coyle reads to kids about the creature in question, supervises arts and crafts, and even shows them real specimens. Nature Pals was started by Friends of Edgewood Park, a volunteer group. For more info., contact Ranger Harry Coyle, 946-8028, or volunteer Tatiana O'Connor at 389-4119.

Parks & Rec. drop-in sites coming soon

With the end of the Parks Department summer camps on August 4, the New Haven Parks & Recreation Department is pleased to offer open recreation drop-in sites for the City’s youth. The two sites will be Salerno Rink, inside of East Shore Park off Woodward Avenue; and Coogan Pavilion, located inside of Edgewood Park, the building in front of the Skate Park. These locations, staffed by full-time Recreation Supervisors, will be welcoming places where kids can enjoy table games, arts & crafts, air hockey, ping pong, card games, horse shoes and other activities. The recreation centers will be open August 7 through Sept 1, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Free Financial Credit Seminar on August 9

The New Haven Economic Security Coalition, a private-public partnership, is offering a free class on financial credit, taught by a representative of the Centers for Financial Education. Topics will include the basics of credit, how to get a free credit report, and the dangers of predatory lending. The class will be held on August 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stetson Library, 200 Dixwell Avenue—right on the D bus line. The New Haven Economic Security Coalition (NHESC) was formed in 2002 in partnership with Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., the IRS, and local organizations to provide free tax preparation and raise awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit. Partners include: Community Action Agency, JUNTA for Progressive Action, Yale University, Spanish American Merchants Association, Empower New Haven, National Student Partnerships, and NewAlliance Bank. (For more information, call 946-6751)

Let’s take a look at the week ahead:

Monday, July 31 – 6 p.m.

New Haven Public Library July Film Series

The Good Fight (98 min), narrated by Studs Terkel, followed by discussion with Jacinto Lirola. Details: sgodfrey@nhfpl.org or 946-8130 x211.

Friday, August 4 – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

New Haven Jazz Festival warms up!

Get ready to kick off the downtown performances with the Neighborhood Music School Jazz Camp Recital—on the New Haven Green.

Saturday, August 5

New Haven Jazz Festival kicks off!

Enjoy a night of classic jazz reminiscent of the festival’s early years with the return of the Dave Brubeck Quartet along with Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra. Get the full scoop on the New Haven Jazz Festival at www.newhavenjazz.com.